Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
An electric vehicle charging station or electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) is an electrical power source to which plug-in vehicles connect. The electrical energy is stored in a battery which provides power to the vehicle until the energy is depleted. Electric vehicle charging stations are commonly found at retail buildings, office buildings, all types of parking facilities and even at some coops, condos, and apartment buildings. There are three types of charging stations available: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. All electrical vehicles come with a cable which connects into an electrical outlet. The charging requirements determine the type of charging station that should be installed.
A standard charging station, whether it is Level 1 (120V) or Level 2 (240V), will provide pass through AC power from the power grid and a safety earth ground to the vehicle for charging. The vehicle converts this AC power to DC power and uses that to recharge the batteries. Though the actual battery charger is on the vehicle, an EVSE charging station implements several layers of redundant safety features to protect the user from potential electrical and fire hazards while connecting, disconnecting, and charging the vehicle. Once connected to the vehicle, the station informs the vehicle that power is available and at what level. The vehicle then takes over, initiates, and takes full control of the power transfer. If an electrical fault occurs, the station will stop the power transfer immediately and de-energize the cable.
Types of Chargers
LEVEL 1 (120 VOLT CHARGING)
Level 1 is the slowest method but sufficient for drivers who charge overnight and travel 30-40 miles per day. All electric cars come with a cable that can be plugged into a standard wall outlet with no equipment installation required. Level 1 works well at home, work or anywhere. when you have sufficient time to charge. Level 1 charging is ideal for plug in hybrid electric cars that have smaller batteries, but it can suffice for some battery electric car owners as well, depending on their daily range needs and length of time typically parked and charging. Level 1 charging adds about 3.5. 6.5 miles of driving range per hour of charging time.
LEVEL 2 (220/240 VOLT CHARGING)
Level 2 charging is considerably fast but requires installing a charging station also known as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). Charging station installation requires a dedicated 240-volt or 208-volt electrical circuit, similar to what is required for a clothes dryer or electric range. Level 2 is found at many public and workplace charging stations and in many homes. It uses the same standard connector as Level 1 charging meaning any electric car can plug in at any Level 2 charger. Depending on battery type, charger configuration and circuit capacity, Level 2 charging adds about 14-35 miles of range per hour of charging time.
LEVEL 3 DIRECT CURRENT (DC) FAST CHARGING (480-VOLT CHARGING)
DC fast charging provides the fastest available fill-up. It requires a 480-volt connection making DC fast charging unsuitable for home use and not every electric car model is equipped for it. Stations offering DC fast charging are found in shopping centers and often along major travel corridors, allowing electric car drivers to charge up quickly and take longer trips. DC fast chargers come with a CHAdeMO, Combined Charging System (Combo or CCS) or Tesla connector system. Most DC fast chargers will have both the CHAdeMO and Combo connectors. Depending on the battery type, charger configuration and circuit capacity, DC fast charging can add up to 10 miles of range per minute of charging time.
AC versus DC Charging
Safety Certification: Not all EVSEs available on the market are independently safety tested and certified. To ensure that the products have been properly safety tested, it is important to verify that a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) has certified it. Intertek and Underwriter’s Laboratory are most common NRTLs in North America that can test and certify EVSEs.
Non-Grounded Plugs: Plug in charging stations with NEMA 10-30 and 10-50 style plugs should not be used as these types of outlets do not have an earth ground connection. EVSEs that use these plugs will not be NRTL safety certified because the absence of proper grounding makes it possible for the vehicle chassis to become electrified and could pose a safety hazard upon contact with the vehicle during or after charging.
Electrical Infrastructure: When installing a charging station, the building’s current electrical capabilities may not allow for safe installation of a charger. Additional electrical circuits may be required to handle the increased electrical load.
Location Selection: When selecting an installation site, consider the path of the charging cord when in use so it is not a tripping hazard. When comparing the EVSE models, consider units with the charging cord being mounted 5′ or higher to prevent a trip hazard. Some parking lot management questions to consider include:
- Will the EVSE get in the way of pavement cleaning or snow plowing?
- Is it a space where snow is piled in the winter?
- Is equipment stored nearby that might block access to it?
Physical Damage Protection: Most charging station repairs are due to damage from vehicles. Some form of charging station protection should be used to vehicles from hitting the station or snagging the charging cords. Mounting the station above the bumper level on a wall or curb is helpful, but a tire-stop or bollard would provide added protection.
Cord Storage: A common issue involving EVSEs is improperly stored charging cords being damaged by other vehicles. Charging stations with cord retraction systems help alleviate cord damage from vehicles.
Routine Cleaning and Inspection: All charging stations require occasional cleaning and should have the cords inspected once a month and everything wiped down quarterly or monthly depending on use. Snow should be cleared from around the charging station so it can vent properly and be easily accessed.
What Kind of EV Charger Do I Need?
The EV charger that you need installed varies based on your electric car. You likely have a 100-amp electrical system. A variety of different appliances in your home are designed to operate on 100 amps including your air conditioner, oven range, water heater, or dryer.
Although 100 amps is sufficient for operating standard appliances, it is not enough power to support an electric vehicle charger. Luckily, our team of electrical experts will help you upgrade your electrical system to ensure it is compatible with the latest charging stations. We will also work with you to choose the correct type of EV charger based on your vehicle and current setup.
4 Benefits of Installing an EV Home Charging Station
Finding and waiting for a public EV charging station while you are out and about is frustrating and can be stressful if you’re in a hurry. You won’t regret installing an EV charging station at home. At-home EV charging stations are:
Convenient
You plug your phone in to charge when you go to sleep, so why not plug in your electric vehicle while you aren’t using it? Take advantage of your downtime and charge your electric car at home overnight to ensure it’s ready to go in the morning. An at-home EV charging station also means you don’t have to waste time traveling to a public charger and wait for your vehicle to charge so you can get where you need to go.
Less Expensive
One advantage of driving an electric vehicle includes saving money on energy costs. However, a majority of public EV chargers that don’t take forever to charge your vehicle cost a lot of money to use. Luckily, you can save money by investing in an at-home EV charger.
Our team of technicians offer innovative electric vehicle (EV) charger installation services for homeowners in Atlanta, GA and are available to help you choose a charging system that is compatible with your car. Once the installation is complete, your electric vehicle will be ready to go by the time you wake up each morning. In addition, you won’t have to pay a premium price for the electricity used to charge it.
Predictable
The worst part about using public EV chargers is waiting in line to use them before waiting for your vehicle to charge. However, when you install an at-home EV charging station, you get the convenience of charging your car without visiting public stations and peace of mind knowing that it will be completely charged in the morning.
While gas constantly change, your electricity rates are much more static. Some public charging stations raise their during peak hours and busy weekends, meaning you might end up spending more than you thought to charge your electric vehicle. Choosing to install an EV charger in your home is an excellent way to control the amount of money you spend to charge your car.
Better For Your Battery
Using fast chargers daily degrades the battery in your electric vehicle much faster than slower chargers. Level three fast chargers are great for charging your EV during long trips, but you don’t want to use them daily.
Your battery should charge overnight, something that’s realistic with an at-home EV charging station. Not every EV battery can handle fast chargers. You need to understand your battery type and have an EV charging station installed that is most effective.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Installation Services in Atlanta, GA and Other Areas
Installing an EV charging station at home can save you time and countless hours over the life of your new electric vehicle. Our team of skilled electricians offer reputable EV home charger installation services in areas of Georgia such as Alpharetta, Tucker, Marietta, Newnan, Athens, and Gainesville. We are committed to helping you configure a new charging station in your garage.
Our team of local electricians in Atlanta, GA also offer other types of electrical services, including electric panel replacement, whole-house generator installation, light fixture replacement, and wiring installation. Give our professionals a call by phone at (770) 852-8504 to receive assistance installing an EV charger or other electrical issues in your house.
Call us at 1-800-642-4419 for fast, reliable emergency AC services! Find your local Horizon today for fast, reliable emergency AC services in your area!
EV Charger Station Installation in West Palm Beach
If you have an electric vehicle, you can save yourself a lot of time and energy by installing an electric vehicle charging station in your home. Without it, you’ll be forced to spend far too much of your time at a charging station away from home.
Turn to Hi-Tech Plumbing Air for EV charger station installation in West Palm Beachand enjoy a much simpler way to charge your car.
Call (561) 708-4989 or contact us online to schedule an EV charging installation in West Palm Beach.
What are the Benefits of Home Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations?
Most electric vehicles need to be charged on a regular basis, which can be a pain. Luckily, installing an electrical vehicle charging station in your home can make all of the difference.
Below are key benefits of electrical vehicle charging stations:
- Safety: EV charging stations are equipped with safety features that detect electrical problems and irregularities. In the event that your station picks up on a problem, it will automatically shut off to protect your vehicle and home.
- Convenience: You can say goodbye to long trips to parking lots with EV charging stations when you install one in your own home. Now you can sleep easier at night knowing your car will be all charged up and ready to go in the morning.
- Battery protection: EV charging stations are designed to monitor your car’s battery, checking for any issues and adjusting charging habits to better ensure its longevity.
Ready to get started? Reach out to our West Palm Beach electric vehicle charging station technicians to get started. We are known for providing seamless service, exceptional workmanship, and unparalleled customer care.
Our EV charging station experts are here to make your life easier. Call (561) 708-4989 or contact us online to get started!
Why Choose Hi-Tech Plumbing Air?
At Hi-Tech Plumbing Air. our team is committed to keeping you safe. We offer a variety of dependable electrical solutions guaranteed to maximize your efficiency, safety, and comfort. Turn to us for electric charging station installation in West Palm Beach and rest assured we will provide the highest quality service possible.
With Hi-Tech Plumbing Air on your side, you can expect:
5 STAR WOW EXPERIENCES
. Hi-Tech is an outstanding company which provides quality work and excellent customer service. I highly recommend them and will continue to use them for any of my AC or Plumbing needs.
This company was excellent I found them by mistake in an emergency and they came out during the holiday and took care of three of my tenants.
Why Choose Triple Service
If you have an electric car, there are several reasons to consider installing an EV charging station at home. Most notably, having an at-home EV charging station means never having to stress about finding a charging station before your car’s battery runs out. Other benefits include:
Convenience — Having an EV charging station at home provides the ability to charge your electric vehicle at your convenience, allowing you to plug it in at night to have a fully-charged car ready to go in the morning. Faster Charging — Public charging stations can be slower than home chargers, which is especially inconvenient if you have to wait for another driver to finish charging their car before you. Cost Efficiency — Many public EV charging stations require payment either by the hour, the kilowatt-hour, or with a set session or subscription fee, which makes having an at-home EV charging station a cost-effective alternative. Increased Home Value — As electric vehicles become more popular, in-home EV charging stations are becoming more and more appealing, and can thus increase the value of residential properties.
If you need an at-home EV charger for your electric car in Mendota, look no further than the professionals at Triple Service Inc. We can install EV chargers right in your garage or driveway so you can enjoy convenient, efficient charging anytime.